The first estimates of euro area balance showed a €15.0 bn surplus in trade in goods with the rest of the world in April 2024, compared with a deficit of €11.1 bn in April 2023, according to figures published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

The euro area exports of goods to the rest of the world in April 2024 were €247.6 billion, an increase of 14.0% compared with April 2023 (€217.2 bn). Imports from the rest of the world stood at €232.5 bn, a rise of 1.8% compared with April 2023 (€228.3 bn).

In April 2024 compared to March 2024, the euro area surplus decreased from €23.7 billion to €15.0 billion. The reason was due to an increase in the deficit of the energy sector (from €-23.7 billion to €-26.2 billion) and a decrease of surplus for ‘chemicals’ (from €23.4.billion to €21.2 billion).

In January to April 2024, the euro area recorded a surplus of €72.8 bn, compared with €-20.5 bn in January-April 2023.

The euro area exports of goods to the rest of the world rose to €953.0 bn (an increase of 0.8% compared with January-April 2023), and imports fell to €880.2 bn (a decrease of 8.9% compared with January-April 2023). Intra-euro area trade fell to €874.9 bn in January-April 2024, down by 5.1% compared with January-April 2023.

The EU balance showed a €13.9 bn surplus in trade in goods with the rest of the world in April 2024, compared with a deficit of €14.2 bn in April 2023.

The extra-EU exports of goods in April 2024 was €222.1 billion, up by 14.9% compared with April 2023 (€193.3 bn). Imports from the rest of the world stood at €208.1 bn, up by 0.3% compared with April 2023 (€207.4 bn).